Power food! Netong’s super special batchoy with freshly cracked egg is the best!

There’s a debate on who actually started batchoy in Iloilo City with three contenders vying for the title: Netong’s, Deco’s or Ted’s. But for me, its no contest, Netong’s Batchoy has long conquered my taste buds and as much as possible, whenever I am in this city, I always have breakfast here.

A bowl of steaming batchoy is not only flavorful, it’s delicious, hot and filling. A serving comes in special, super special and extra special with the difference only in the bowl sizes. I usually settle for the super special. Fresh egg is optional and you can order, for free, extra soup or crushed chicharon.

The restaurant has been transformed into an airconditioned eatery with a well designed and bright interiors. Two walls are painted with a bright mural with one section various newspaper and magazine clippings where the restaurant has been featured as well as photographs of celebrities who have dined here.

Other than the batchoy, they also have other meat dishes, of which the pata (leg) and linaga (stewed beef) are quite popular. Mornings, there’s breakfast of hotdog and eggs and a tray of spaghetti.

Work table where batchoy is prepared. The opposite side is where other dishes are served or cooked.

Piled wrapped puto

Miki and other toppings of the batchoy

Another dish being cooked

GETTING THERE: It can be a challenge, at first, finding this specific restaurant. But what I do is this, once you get to the main entrance of the La Paz market, a beautiful late art deco structure, turn left, then turn right at the corner. As you pass by Madge Cafe, another Iloilo institution, look for a small alley with a shallow canal at the right. Follow that and you’ll then see the restaurant to your left once you get at the intersection.

Estan Cabigas is freelance photographer, blogger and writer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. His work has been published in local and international publications including National Geographic Magazine, Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London) and other publications.
He is also a peripatetic traveler and has traveled to all 81 Philippines provinces.
I'm open for work, collaborations and inquiries, including hotel, restaurant and site features and reviews.

When traveling full-time it can be nice to have your own kitchen for a change. A Wyndham timeshare or WorldMark timeshare usually comes equipped with a kitchen, so you can cook your own food. Timeshares purchased or rented on the resale market online are typically up to 50% off the resort’s price.